Research Methodology

Description

Provides an introduction to research methodologies in education, both qualitative and quantitative. The subject introduces students to contemporary perspectives in educational research, and in particular focuses on developing a range of skills involved in formulating a research proposal; including framing research questions, reviewing the literature and choosing appropriate methodologies for different types of study. The ways in which researchers from different research traditions use the different methods of collecting research data (for example, interview, questionnaire and observation) will be included. As the subject is intended to prepare students either for a research thesis or an industry-based project, some preliminary work on the development and administration of a research instrument (e.g., a questionnaire or an interview) is included.

5. Gain experience with instrument development and data collection methods

Content

Educational research methodologies to be discussed will include a range of research traditions and designs: descriptive, survey, experimental, quasi-experimental, phenomenology, life history and biography, case study research, ethnographic research and grounded theory. The role of the practitioner is explored including action research. Students will be encouraged to develop their own research and/or project interests and to design a research instrument.